Denise Austin

I've always liked Denise Austin's positve and outgoing attitude. Working out to her shows and videos is like working out with a motivating friend rather than an harassing drill sergeant! When I was offered the chance to review her new book, DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN, I was really excited.

As I expected, this book is written in Denise's friendly, upbeat style. She keeps things simple and doable. The plan is comprised of a set of 12 exercises that can easily be done at home. She doesn't require any fancy equipment - just the occasional use of a set of small hand weights. The routines are different for each day of the week; each day you get a total body workout and, over the course of a week, there is enough variety that you don't get bored. One of the best parts? Each daily routine can be completed in about 12 minutes! Who can't find 12 minutes a day to exercise?! O.K., so you are supposed to devote more than 12 minutes - Denise would like you to also walk about 12 miles a week. Still, we're not talking about a huge time commitment or financial investment.

DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN also includes separate sections with additional ballet-inspired barre exercises and moves that target the abs. She's added a small section of "tension tamers" that can be done at your desk, and a handful of moves called "fidget-cisers" that you can toss into your day while you're around the house - watching T.V., talking on the phone, or waiting for the toast to pop up.

Another great thing about this book are the daily menu plans and recipes sprinkled throughout. They are all healthful, easy, and mouth-watering. So far, I've tried and liked the Asian Lettuce Wraps, Veggie Quesadilla and Greek Bean Salad. If you're more adventurous than I am, you can try the Fish Tacos (made with mahi mahi). Denise's eating plan is sensible and well-balanced. Nothing is off-limits, but everything in moderation.

I also really enjoyed reading the success stories -- there's nothing like hearing from someone who has successfully worked a program to show that it can be done by the average person.

I highly recommend DENISE'S DAILY DOZEN for anyone who would like to get started on a fitness plan. (Of course, you should check with your doctor first.) Denise offers easy exercises, sensible advice, and plenty of encouragement and motivation. If you've been wondering how to get yourself started, this is the book for you!… (more)

As with any book, there are good and bad aspects to this one. I "applied" to review this book because I have a number of Denise Austin exercise books and have found them to be easy to read and follow. I have terrible coordination and apparently no physical common sense, because I can barely follow an exercise video or coach. I have trouble mimicking poses in other exercise books. That said, I have no problem with the large majority of Austin's photos and explanations. I believe her guides are very user friendly, and this one is no exception!

I also appreciate that she adds little FYI tidbits, personal stories and advice on healthy eating, as well as recipes. These topics do not go in depth, but are easily accessible and helpful for the average diet newbie. This isn't one long, boring book. Instead, there is a variety of formats to keep one's attention.

Now for the downsides... I felt that this guide was a little too specific and regimental. Denise lays out exactly what you should eat and what exercises you should do on each day of the week. I like a little more flexibility than that. I can understand that she is suggesting specific exercises for specific days because you need variety in an overall workout plan and you don't want to work the same muscles every day; however, I would like options in case a specific move doesn't work for me. I also don't really want to follow her meal plan.

For me specifically, I will use this book to pick and choose which exercises I'd like to do rather than following her exact plan.

So in a nutshell: Her exercise instructions and photos are extremely helpful and easy to follow. Her tone is encouraging and inspiring. Her eating tips are helpful. BUT there isn't really much room to mix it up unless you don't follow her plan and instead just use the exercises on their own.… (more)